Faculty/Staff Work/Life

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Work/Life Training and Education

Work/Life offers workshops on a variety of issues either by request from departments or by open enrollment in classes. Topics include, but are not limited to: caregiving for children and teenagers, self-compassion for caregivers, relaxation strategies, and financial literacy. 

Monthly Meditation and Mindfulness for Faculty and Staff

The regular practice of mindfulness meditation has a demonstrable impact on psychological and physical health, improving mood, decreasing stress, strengthening the immune system, and supporting sleep. 

Be Well at Work Employee Assistance and Work/Life invite faculty and staff to join us for a monthly meditation group which will offer a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation during the work day. Each month will focus on a beneficial intention to guide us. 

No registration is required and no prior experience with meditation is necessary. All are welcome.

Virtually:

  • First Wednesday of the month at 12:15 - 12:45 pm 
  • Third Thursday of the month at 2 pm - 2:20 pm

If you would like these sessions added to your bCal for scheduling notifications and the Zoom link, please email kpatchell@berkeley.edu

For requests: Please contact kpatchell@berkeley.edu if you would like to request a 10, 20, or 30-minute mindful meditation for your department. 

Work/Life Workshops and Events

ENROLLMENT

UC Berkeley and LBNL Faculty, Staff, Visiting Scholars, and Postdocs:

  1. Click on the “enroll here” hyperlink to take you to the UCB Learning Center.
  2. Enter your CalNet Passphrase. 
  3. Click "Submit."

Fall 2025 Parenting Workshops

Planning Your Pregnancy Leave

Thursday, September 25th; Noon – 1 pm  via Zoom

Speakers: Jurrisha Johnson, People and Culture Lead Leaves Coordinator, Gabe Schmidt, People and Culture Healthcare Facilitator, Sheila Blake, People and Culture Benefits Counselor/Leave Coordinator, Yvette Escobar, People and Culture Leave Coordinator, Kristin Rissanen Ikuta, Academic Personnel Office Sr. Analyst 

Are you thinking about starting a family? This workshop will provide information on leave policies, disability benefits, use of income supplements: sick/vacation/pto/pfcb, etc., and options on when/how to return to work after having a child for both academic and staff employees.    

Registration coming soon

Breastfeeding Your Baby: Returning to Work or School

Tuesday, October 17th; 1 pm - 4:15 pm via Zoom

SpeakerTina Benitez    

This 3 hour class is taught by a certified lactation consultant and is broken up into two parts.The first portion of the class, 1-3pm, addresses breastfeeding basics and problem solving. The second portion of class, 3:15-4:15pm, covers returning-to-work planning and breast pumps. Those who have already attended a breastfeeding class are welcome to join the last portion of the class.

Registration coming soon

Empty Nest: Navigating Change with Rediscovery and Self-Compassion

Tuesday, October 21, Noon - 1 pm, via Zoom

Speaker: Karen Patchell, Be Well at Work

Adjusting to an empty nest can be a challenging yet transformative transition, and approaching it with optimism and self-compassion can provide new opportunities for growth and fulfillment. This workshop will explore the vast range of emotions and adjustments that arise when children leave home, while offering practical strategies to help navigate this pivotal milestone with resilience, grace, and rediscovery.

Registration coming soon

Transitioning Back After Baby Bonding Leave 

Tuesday, October 28th, Noon - 1 pm via Zoom 

Speakers: Karen Patchell, MA, Be Well at Work Work/Life, Julie Resnik, LCSW, Be Well at Work Employee Assistance, Mary Kelly, M.S. Be Well at Work Disability Management, Greg Ryan, Be Well at Work Ergonomics 

For both birth and non-birth parents, the transition back to work after baby bonding leave can feel overwhelming. It can be filled with a vast array of emotions, concerns, and limitations, not to mention demanding and conflicting schedules.

Join us for this panel discussion which focuses on understanding both positive and negative emotions related to this transition, how to establish boundaries at work, benefits and accommodations available to working parents, ergonomic strategies for multiple workstations, and self-care resources to help ease the physical and mental pressure associated with working while caregiving.   

Registration coming soon

Fall 2025 Financial Workshops

529 College Saving Plans

Wednesday, September 24th, noon - 1 pm via Zoom 

Speaker: James Palen, ScholarShare 

How you save and plan for your loved one’s education goals matters. The way you save and allocate for college savings dictates the investments you have access to, the tax status of your funds for education expenses, and even has an impact on the needs-based financial aid your loved one is eligible to receive. Join us for a college savings workshop to help you better navigate the college savings arena. During this workshop, we will discuss: 

  • Paying for college “The basics”
  • The cost of higher education
  • Different ways to save
  • Is ScholarShare 529 the right plan for you and your family
  • Getting started
  • Making the most of existing accounts (resources)
  • The Matching Grant Program and CalKids Q&A 

Registration coming soon

Building Savings

Wednesday, October 1st, Noon - 1:30 pm, via Zoom

Speaker: Brad Hamada, CFed

What's the difference between someone who lives the life of their dreams and someone who struggles to make ends meet?  Most people don’t know where to start or what to do, and thus feel like they aren’t getting anywhere close to where they want to go.  If you have ever thought that or felt that way and want to have more confidence in handling money and creating better financial habits, then join us for this important workshop to lay the foundation for everything you need to know about money.

Registration coming soon

Increase Cash Flow

Wednesday, October 15th, Noon - 1:30 pm, via Zoom

Speaker: Brad Hamada, CFed

Are you fed up with the endless cycle of living paycheck to paycheck? Are you feeling suffocated by debt? In this eye-opening workshop,We will
share 23 ways you can put money back into your pocket and identify simple strategies you can implement immediately to eliminate your debt.

Registration coming soon

Understanding Asset Accumulation

Wednesday, November 5th, Noon - 1:30 pm, via Zoom

Speaker: Brad Hamada, CFed

What's the difference between someone who lives the life of their dreams and someone who struggles to make ends meet?  Most people don’t know where to start or what to do, and thus feel like they aren’t getting anywhere close to where they want to go.  If you have ever thought that or felt that way and want to have more confidence in handling money and creating better financial habits, then join us for this important workshop to lay the foundation for everything you need to know about money.

Registration coming soon

Elder Care Training and Education

The Elder Care program offers monthly educational workshops and webinars on topics related to elder care and caregiver resilience. The workshops are presented by professionals and experienced caregivers. These workshops are open to current UC Berkeley and LBL employees and generally take place on a weekday from 12:10-1:30 pm.